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Severe road delays as defect closes Hammersmith flyover Severe road delays as defect closes Hammersmith flyover
(40 minutes later)
Severe delays have been reported in west London as a flyover which forms a key route in and out of the city is shut due to a structural defect.Severe delays have been reported in west London as a flyover which forms a key route in and out of the city is shut due to a structural defect.
Transport for London (TfL) said the Hammersmith flyover, which carries traffic from the M4 and A4, would be shut until at least early January.Transport for London (TfL) said the Hammersmith flyover, which carries traffic from the M4 and A4, would be shut until at least early January.
It was closed after engineers noticed urgent repair work was needed.It was closed after engineers noticed urgent repair work was needed.
Tailbacks have reached up to five miles heading out of London, and about two miles going into the city.Tailbacks have reached up to five miles heading out of London, and about two miles going into the city.
Drivers have been urged to avoid the area and diversions are in place.Drivers have been urged to avoid the area and diversions are in place.
Delays have been reported in Chelsea, Kensington, Fulham, Hammersmith, Chiswick, Mortlake, Barnes and Putney.Delays have been reported in Chelsea, Kensington, Fulham, Hammersmith, Chiswick, Mortlake, Barnes and Putney.
TfL said traffic was stretching back along the River Thames to the Albert Bridge.TfL said traffic was stretching back along the River Thames to the Albert Bridge.
It said it was "urgently" examining local roadworks to see if they could be suspended to help minimise traffic disruption.It said it was "urgently" examining local roadworks to see if they could be suspended to help minimise traffic disruption.
BBC presenter Chris Evans tweeted: "London is totally grid locked. Totally. Due to the Hammersmith Flyover being closed. Avoid West London at all costs. Never seen it like that."BBC presenter Chris Evans tweeted: "London is totally grid locked. Totally. Due to the Hammersmith Flyover being closed. Avoid West London at all costs. Never seen it like that."
One driver told BBC London that it had taken four hours to get from Brixton to Hammersmith, while another said she had done six miles in three hours.One driver told BBC London that it had taken four hours to get from Brixton to Hammersmith, while another said she had done six miles in three hours.
'Sorry for disruption''Sorry for disruption'
The flyover - which normally handles about 90,000 vehicles a day - has been closed as internal cables which help to hold the concrete structure in place need urgent repairs.The flyover - which normally handles about 90,000 vehicles a day - has been closed as internal cables which help to hold the concrete structure in place need urgent repairs.
TfL said engineers and contractors, along with external experts in structural engineering, would be "working around the clock" over the Christmas and new year period to complete the assessment and decide what action needed to be taken.TfL said engineers and contractors, along with external experts in structural engineering, would be "working around the clock" over the Christmas and new year period to complete the assessment and decide what action needed to be taken.
Garrett Emmerson, TfL's chief operating officer for surface transport, said: "We are very sorry for the disruption this will cause drivers and we are doing everything we can to minimise traffic disruption."Garrett Emmerson, TfL's chief operating officer for surface transport, said: "We are very sorry for the disruption this will cause drivers and we are doing everything we can to minimise traffic disruption."
He added: "In the meantime, drivers are strongly advised to avoid the area if they can or allow more time for their journeys."He added: "In the meantime, drivers are strongly advised to avoid the area if they can or allow more time for their journeys."
Chelsea Football Club warned fans planning to attend the match against Fulham on Boxing Day to be aware of the flyover closure and to plan their routes carefully, particularly in light of the Tube strike on the same day.
Drivers can find the latest traffic information on the BBC London travel website.Drivers can find the latest traffic information on the BBC London travel website.